Matt Cardona made his return to WWE television on SmackDown, revealed as the mystery opponent for Kit Wilson. Notably, Cardona appeared under his real name rather than the “Zack Ryder” persona he portrayed in WWE from 2005 to 2020.
This marks a significant shift, acknowledging the reinvention he underwent on the independent scene, where he became known as the “King of the Deathmatch” and “King of the Indies,” winning titles in NWA, GCW, and TNA Wrestling.
Although Cardona previously returned for the “Last Time is Now” tournament as Zack Ryder, this appearance establishes him as Cardona on the current roster. He is out to prove that he is “not finished” with his career at the top level. To coincide with his return, Cardona has released new merchandise featuring the tagline “I’m Not Finished.”
The move to present him as Cardona rather than Ryder signals WWE’s willingness to capitalize on the equity he built outside the company. Fans can view the new shirt design online as Cardona begins this new chapter on the blue brand below.
You can read the full WWE SmackDown results here.
He's Not Finished! Matt Cardona is back with a new tee! #WWEShop #WWE@TheMattCardona
🛒: https://t.co/WCRtDaBHZS pic.twitter.com/OWtz32KZ9q
— WWEShop.com (@WWEShop) January 3, 2026
I’m not finished…#WWESmackDown
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 3, 2026
